Leeds United’s Pearce appeal fails

Jason Pearce

LEEDS United’s appeal against the red card and three match ban given out to Jason Pearce’s against Watford on Saturday has failed.

Centre-back Pearce was shown a straight red card just before half-time for alleged dangerous play, following a challenge on Matej Vydra and the FA have upheld the decision of referee Trevor Kettle, although many observers thought it harsh.

The player will now have to miss the next three games, beginning with next Sunday’s trip to Millwall.

Speaking on the dismissal, Pearce said: “I was massively disappointed. I’m a wholehearted player. I genuinely went for the ball.

“Looking back I thought it was a yellow card. I went for the ball, and I kicked him but it wasn’t a bad tackle or a dangerous tackle so I’m disappointed.”

Leeds have received some better news with tests revealing that midfielder Rodolph Austin’s injury is not as bad as first feared.

It was thought on Saturday that the Jamaican international had suffered a double leg fracture, but the club has now confirmed that it actually a cracked ankle bone.

Austin weill still be out of action for some time, but is expected to be back in action before the end of the season.

Manager Neil Warnock told the club’s website: “It’s better than we first thought. The swelling made it difficult for us to get a full diagnosis until Monday evening.

“We wish him well in his recovery and hopefully he will be back with us sooner rather than later.”